Carib Scope

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  • Election workers, special forces cast early ballots

    Election workers, special forces cast early ballots

    A notably subdued atmosphere characterized Barbados’s special pre-election polling on Tuesday, with election officials and protective service members turning out in low numbers. This specialized electoral exercise, designed for those rostered for duty on the upcoming general election day, may signal broader voter apathy ahead of the nation’s snap poll scheduled for next Wednesday.

    At 7 a.m., thirty polling stations opened nationwide, yet presiding officers across multiple constituencies reported consistently light foot traffic. Michael Fields, the returning officer for Christ Church East Central at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, indicated that merely twelve out of ninety registered special voters had cast ballots by the mid-morning period. While acknowledging initial logistical shortcomings such as absent directional signage, Fields confirmed these issues would be resolved before the main electoral event, noting the voting process itself was efficiently concluded within two minutes once voters located the correct venue.

    Parallel reports emerged from other districts, including St Michael South and Christ Church West, where officials Egerton Thompson and Michael Sealey similarly described voter activity as minimal. Despite the low participation, some voters expressed strong commitment to their civic duties. Election official Chad Larrier highlighted the fundamental importance of representation, though he cited inadequate signage as a complicating factor in accessing his polling station. Postal worker Dwayne Moore, a consistent voter since the age of 18, praised the seamless and swift nature of the process, emphasizing the critical role of citizen participation in shaping national governance.

  • Van Trikt onder politiebegeleiding naar specialist; detentie volgt na weigering uitstel door OM

    Van Trikt onder politiebegeleiding naar specialist; detentie volgt na weigering uitstel door OM

    Robert van Trikt, the convicted former governor of Suriname’s Central Bank, was taken into police custody this morning to begin serving his prison sentence. Despite having a scheduled medical specialist appointment today, Van Trikt was escorted by law enforcement to complete the visit before commencing his term. The former bank official informed Starnieuws that he had intended to surrender voluntarily tomorrow but acknowledged the authorities’ decision to enforce the sentence immediately.

    The Public Prosecution Service had previously granted Van Trikt a one-week window to report to the Santo Boma penitentiary after rejecting his request for a three-month postponement of sentence execution. The prosecution emphasized that after this deadline expired, the verdict would be implemented without further delay.

    Through his attorney Chandra Algoe, Van Trikt had sought postponement citing personal circumstances and his intention to challenge the conviction through international legal channels. The prosecution dismissed these appeals, insisting on immediate enforcement following the expiration of the granted period.

    On January 19, the Court of Justice upheld Van Trikt’s conviction in the appellate hearing concerning the Central Bank of Suriname case, reducing his sentence from eight to six years imprisonment. Having already spent approximately three and a half years in pre-trial detention, he had been temporarily released on humanitarian grounds prior to this final ruling.

    Van Trikt’s defense team maintains that his actions resulted from policy decisions made with full knowledge and explicit approval of the government, particularly former Finance Minister Gilmore Hoefdraad. The international appeal will reference a Kroll advisory report that the defense claims received insufficient consideration during domestic proceedings, along with the court’s acknowledgment that his nearly two-year pre-trial detention was unlawful.

    Separately, Van Trikt faces additional investigations stemming from a 2020 complaint filed by Finabank and fourteen citizens regarding the use of cash reserve funds during his tenure as central bank governor, demonstrating the ongoing legal challenges confronting the former financial official.

  • Police hoping autopsy provides answers about construction worker’s death

    Police hoping autopsy provides answers about construction worker’s death

    Authorities in St. Vincent and the Grenadines are investigating another tragic construction site fatality after Lemone Baptiste, a Georgetown construction worker, fell to his death from a four-story building framework on Wednesday afternoon. The incident has reignited concerns about workplace safety standards in the nation’s construction industry.

    Baptiste was working on the steel structure of the building near the Community College gap when the accident occurred around 2:30 p.m. Witness accounts and preliminary reports suggest the worker might have been electrocuted by high-voltage overhead power lines before falling from the elevated position. Emergency services transported him to Milton Cato Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 3 p.m.

    Critical observations from the scene indicate Baptiste was not wearing any safety harness or personal protective equipment at the time of the incident. Multiple witnesses confirmed to local media that they had observed the worker standing on steel beams without proper safety gear, raising serious questions about compliance with basic safety protocols.

    This tragedy marks the second construction-related fatality in just over two years. In November 2023, Kerwin Franklyn, a 39-year-old from Chateaubelair, died after falling approximately 30 feet through an elevator shaft at a construction site in Campden Park. That incident, involving an employee of Sea Operations (SVG) Limited, occurred when Franklyn reportedly removed his harness to dislodge stuck timber, leading to his fatal fall.

    The recurring pattern of fatal falls has prompted public outcry and growing concerns about the consistent lack of safety measures at construction sites across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Community members are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and mandatory use of protective equipment when working at heights.

    Police are awaiting autopsy results, expected Thursday, to determine the exact cause of Baptiste’s death as their investigation continues. The findings will likely contribute to the ongoing discussion about improving workplace safety standards in the construction sector.

  • Rotary Club of Dominica fosters project at Psychiatric Unit, completes handover

    Rotary Club of Dominica fosters project at Psychiatric Unit, completes handover

    In a landmark achievement for Caribbean mental healthcare infrastructure, the Rotary Club of Dominica has unveiled a comprehensively renovated Acute Psychiatric Unit following a significant modernization initiative. The completed project was officially inaugurated during a ceremonial event on January 30, 2026, attended by government officials, healthcare specialists, and Rotary representatives.

    The renovation project focused on four primary objectives: comprehensive physical infrastructure modernization, creation of a safer and more dignified patient-centered environment, enhancement of working conditions for medical staff, and substantial strengthening of Dominica’s mental health treatment capabilities.

    Substantial facility improvements included complete electrical system upgrades, modernized plumbing infrastructure, comprehensive refurbishment of both patient wards and staff offices, acquisition of new beds and mattresses, and a complete repainting of the facility. These enhancements collectively create a more therapeutic and welcoming environment conducive to patient recovery and healing.

    Notably, the project funding totaling XCD$44,218.92 was primarily generated through the Rotary Club’s annual Carnival Souse and Punch fundraising event, demonstrating how community-supported initiatives directly contribute to critical infrastructure development.

    During the inauguration ceremony, Health Minister Cassanni Laville expressed profound gratitude for the Rotary Club’s partnership, emphasizing that “well-maintained and dignified facilities are fundamental to effective mental healthcare and successful patient recovery.” He highlighted the critical importance of collaborative efforts between service organizations and government entities in advancing national healthcare infrastructure.

    Rotary District 7030 Governor Soraya A.J. Warner-Gustave commended the project as embodying Rotary’s core principles of compassion, community service, and sustainable impact. She noted that such partnerships between service organizations and government agencies yield profound and lasting benefits for society.

    Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, President of the Rotary Club of Dominica, reaffirmed the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting national healthcare systems. He emphasized the project’s alignment with Rotary International’s strategic focus on “Disease Prevention and Treatment,” particularly through infrastructure improvements that directly enhance patient wellbeing.

    The renovated APU facility holds particular historical significance, having been originally established in 1982 through Rotary Club vision and resources. The recent modernization project reinforces the organization’s enduring legacy of sustainable community development and service excellence.

    The Rotary Club extended special recognition to Harris Paint Dominica for material donations, along with numerous volunteers, supporters, and the dedicated staff of the Ministry of Health and APU for their cooperation and commitment to serving some of the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.

  • Government adds new water tankers to strengthen fire service response

    Government adds new water tankers to strengthen fire service response

    In a strategic move to enhance national emergency preparedness, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has officially integrated two high-capacity water tankers into the National Fire Service’s operational fleet. The announcement was made by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant during the weekly post-Cabinet press briefing this Wednesday.

    The procurement, which has now been successfully completed, was initiated following legal counsel from the attorney general, positioning the new assets as critical components for upgrading the country’s fire response infrastructure. These tankers, with substantial water storage capabilities of 2,000 and 3,500 gallons respectively, are engineered to provide a decisive advantage during firefighting campaigns, particularly in scenarios requiring extended operational duration.

    This deployment marks a significant augmentation to the existing arsenal, which previously comprised 19 fire tenders and a single water tanker. The integration of these two vehicles effectively triples the dedicated water-carrying capacity within the national fire service system. Strategic placement is already underway, with one unit designated for the St. John’s Fire Station. Another will remain stationed at the VC Bird International Airport—a key infrastructural asset—while the third tanker is under consideration for deployment to Barbuda, ensuring equitable resource distribution across the twin-island nation.

    Government officials emphasized that this investment directly addresses a critical vulnerability: water supply shortages during intense or prolonged fire incidents. By substantially increasing on-site water reserves, the fire service anticipates a marked improvement in its initial attack effectiveness and overall operational resilience. This initiative underscores the administration’s ongoing commitment to fortifying essential services, with a declared focus on ensuring that first responders are equipped with modern, reliable resources to safeguard communities and national property effectively.

  • A Jasper Engineer’s Journey from Grenada to Manhattan University

    A Jasper Engineer’s Journey from Grenada to Manhattan University

    NOW Grenada, a digital news platform, has formally reiterated its standard policy regarding content submitted by external contributors. The publication explicitly states that it bears no legal responsibility for the opinions, factual claims, or any form of media—including text, images, or video—published by these contributors.

    The disclaimer serves as a standard protective measure for news organizations that host user-generated content. To address potential issues, NOW Grenada provides a direct mechanism for readers to report abusive, inaccurate, or otherwise problematic content through a dedicated click-to-report feature.

    The listed tags associated with this policy notice—’chemical engineering,’ ‘Manhattan University,’ ‘McMaster University,’ ‘Solange Thomas Dowden,’ and ‘T A Marryshow Community College’—suggest the types of contributor-submitted articles or topics that may appear on the platform, though the notice itself is a general policy statement applicable to all content.

  • Antigua and Barbuda To Secure CDB Loan to Fund Various Aspects of Education

    Antigua and Barbuda To Secure CDB Loan to Fund Various Aspects of Education

    The government of Antigua and Barbuda has formally approved a significant financing agreement with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) to fund a sweeping national education enhancement initiative. The landmark decision, announced by Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant following a Cabinet briefing, authorizes Education Minister Daryl Matthew to execute the loan arrangement for what officials characterize as a transformative educational quality improvement project.

    This strategic investment represents a substantial commitment to strengthening the educational framework’s quality, resilience, and inclusiveness nationwide. The comprehensive initiative will channel resources into multiple critical areas including infrastructure development, institutional capacity building, advanced teacher training programs, and systemic educational reforms.

    The project, designated as the Education Enhancement and Quality Improvement Project (EQUIP), builds upon the demonstrated successes of the soon-to-conclude Basic Education Project II scheduled for completion in June. The previous initiative delivered measurable improvements through school rehabilitations, facility expansions, and substantive teacher development programs alongside policy reforms.

    EQUIP will specifically target major infrastructure expansions and rehabilitation works at four educational institutions: Antigua Girls’ High School, Ottos Comprehensive School, Richards Academy, and Golden Grove Primary School. These developments will collectively add over 93,000 square feet of enhanced learning space to the nation’s educational infrastructure.

    Beyond physical improvements, the project encompasses the procurement of modern furniture and equipment alongside specialized teacher training in critical areas including special education, mathematics, sciences, modern languages, and technical/vocational education. This multidimensional approach aims to sustainably advance educational outcomes while expanding upon previous achievements in Antigua and Barbuda’s academic sector.

  • 2,000lbs of trash cleaned up near Arnos Vale bus stop

    2,000lbs of trash cleaned up near Arnos Vale bus stop

    In a significant environmental initiative, the organization Energize Earth SVG executed a major cleanup operation below the Arnos Vale Bus Stop near Massy Stores this past Saturday, successfully extracting an astonishing 1,964 pounds of garbage from the area adjacent to the Warrowarrow River. This substantial waste removal effort represents a critical component of a broader educational campaign dedicated to combating littering and safeguarding vital waterways throughout St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

    Financial backing for this comprehensive project is provided by the Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI) through its Blue Tourism Initiative, with additional local support from the National Parks Rivers and Beaches Authority (NPRBA) and the Solid Waste Management Unit. The campaign’s primary objective is to elevate public understanding of the direct correlation between improper waste disposal, river contamination, and marine ecosystem degradation, while simultaneously motivating citizens to embrace their role in environmental stewardship.

    Despite the operation’s success, organizers expressed deep concern regarding the sheer volume of waste collected. In an official press statement, Energize Earth SVG emphasized: “The massive quantity of debris removed underscores the critical necessity for enhanced public compliance and rigorous enforcement of St. Vincent and Grenadines’ Litter Act of 1991.” The organization has committed to ongoing monitoring of the area and will continue advocating for sustainable, long-term solutions.

    The multifaceted project extends beyond cleanup activities to include educational presentations at four local schools, installation of a locally manufactured waste bin at the site, and erection of an informational billboard reminding community members of their legal responsibilities under the nation’s litter legislation.

    Lucinna Poyer, a director of Energize Earth SVG, contextualized the urgency: “As a nation that promotes tourism as a key economic driver, we must do better to protect our rivers, coastlines, and communities.” The Arnos Vale bus stop has been identified as one of the nation’s most problematic litter hotspots, regularly frequented by commuters whose disposal habits directly impact the area.

    Twanique Barrow, Marketing and Communications Officer at NPRBA who participated in the cleanup, reported conducting frequent cleanups over recent years but expressed alarm that the situation appears to be deteriorating rather than improving. Both organizations are urging all citizens to demonstrate greater environmental responsibility by utilizing available waste receptacles.

    Energize Earth SVG reaffirmed its dedication to advancing environmental education, community engagement, and sustainable development initiatives across the country, with Poyer concluding: “We can all be advocates for a cleaner environment.”

  • Vincy IT expert launches Caribbean healthcare look-up site

    Vincy IT expert launches Caribbean healthcare look-up site

    A pioneering computer scientist from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, recently recognized for developing an electoral verification system, has now introduced a groundbreaking digital platform designed to transform healthcare accessibility across the Caribbean region. The innovator, known as Lee, has launched Caridoctor—a comprehensive online directory that enables users to locate and evaluate healthcare providers throughout the Caribbean islands.

    This initiative emerges as a response to growing regional needs, particularly following the implementation of a free movement agreement among four Caribbean nations last year, which facilitates cross-border healthcare access for citizens. Lee emphasized that the platform operates entirely free of charge, aggregating publicly available information about medical practitioners and institutions to create a centralized resource for patients.

    “This platform represents a strategic effort to harness existing information and streamline connections between patients and appropriate care providers,” Lee explained in an interview with iWitness News. The developer noted that many returning nationals and international visitors have come to expect digital healthcare navigation tools similar to those commonly available in North American healthcare systems.

    Caridoctor’s development follows the creator’s previous technological achievement—VALSY (Voter Analysis System)—which was deployed during Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ 2025 general elections. Lee observed that over 90% of visitors to the election platform accessed it via mobile devices, confirming the region’s readiness for digital transformation.

    While the platform aims to verify provider authenticity, Lee clarified that Caridoctor functions strictly as an informational resource rather than a referral service. The platform maintains no contractual relationships with healthcare providers and explicitly encourages users to conduct independent due diligence when selecting medical care.

    The developer expressed optimism about the platform’s potential impact on regional healthcare efficiency and medical tourism, stating: “If this platform helps even one individual find proper healthcare, the extensive development effort will have been worthwhile.” Lee additionally acknowledged medical professionals who contributed valuable insights during the platform’s design phase, recognizing their role in shaping this innovative solution to Caribbean healthcare challenges.

  • Bagga’s historic Orca Protection Agreement celebrates first year

    Bagga’s historic Orca Protection Agreement celebrates first year

    The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Environment Fund (SVGEF) commemorated the first anniversary of its groundbreaking Orca Protection Agreement on January 16, celebrating a year of successful implementation of this innovative conservation partnership. The landmark agreement, established with the whaling community of Barrouallie, has effectively halted all orca hunting in the nation’s waters through a carefully negotiated livelihood transition program.

    Central to this conservation success story was the strategic deployment of two artisanal fish aggregating devices (FADs) in January 2025, providing alternative tuna fishing opportunities for the whalers who voluntarily ceased orca hunting. This pragmatic solution emerged from extensive dialogue that balanced marine ecosystem protection with the economic realities of coastal communities dependent on marine resources.

    Anniversary proceedings at the Barrouallie Fisheries Complex facilitated reflective discussions on both the financial sacrifices made and the technical progress achieved under the agreement. The gathering brought together all original signatories including Barrouallie’s whaling community members and SVGEF representatives, alongside key stakeholders from partner NGOs, government ministries, and local fishing communities.

    Notable attendees included Chief Whaler Samuel Hazelwood, Fisheries Minister Conroy Huggins, Blue Marine Foundation CEO Clare Brook, and SVGEF Executive Director Stephan Hornsey. The SVGEF reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting the Barrouallie community through conservation initiatives that protect marine biodiversity while sustaining local livelihoods.

    Reflecting on the transition, whalers acknowledged the significant compromises made while recognizing the agreement as a necessary step forward. The partnership stands as a model for community-centered conservation approaches that respect both ecological priorities and human economic needs.